New Level 5 Diploma in Bespoke Tailoring

As part of our growing suite of Fashion and Textiles qualifications, we are delighted to announce the launch of our new Level 5 qualification developed with Creative Skillset and the Savile Row Bespoke Association.

The Level 5 Diploma in Bespoke Tailoring (601/8252/0) provides learners with the practical skills and knowledge needed to work as a highly-skilled tailor and/or cutter in the luxury garment market.

Combining the heritage of bespoke garment production with key production skills and cutting practices, this specialist qualification gives learners the opportunity to develop industry-relevant knowledge and demonstrate high levels of speed, accuracy, precision and consistency.

The qualification comprises of one mandatory unit in Bespoke Garment Production followed by a choice of specialist pathways in tailoring and/or cutting. Learners will build knowledge of textile brands and standards while developing superb customer relations, in addition to advancing in disciplined processes such as hand stitching, finishing and pressing.

ABC Awards has worked closely with Creative Skillset and the Saville Row Bespoke Association over recent months to ensure the qualification meets industry standards, also producing detailed indicative content to support the teaching of the qualification.

Fiona Grant, Director of Awarding Services at ABC Awards, said:

“ABC Awards is delighted to be part of this important collaboration between industry specialists. It will provide a unique opportunity for talented young people to learn from the masters of garment production while gaining a nationally recognised qualification which will help to advance their careers in this world-class trade.”

The qualification is regulated by Ofqual and also meets the requirements of the new Level 5 Bespoke Tailoring Apprenticeship Standards, which have been developed by a prestigious group of employers from the industry, including the Saville Row Bespoke Association.

The Saville Row Bespoke Association, an alliance of 16 member houses who set the standards that define a Savile Row tailor, has introduced over 50 new apprentices to Savile Row since 2004 and each member house must employ a salaried apprentice at all times.

Su Thomas, Director of the Savile Row Bespoke Association, commented:

“Savile Row Bespoke and the bespoke tailoring industry are delighted to support the new apprenticeship in Bespoke Tailoring and Cutting. This Trailblazer initiative which has its origins in Savile Row and is backed by tailoring companies across the UK will support the recent renaissance in Bespoke British tailoring.

“This Level 5 Diploma will enable young trainees to acquire high standards and provide the UK tailoring industry with its future generation of skilled craftsmen.’

John West, Senior Development Manager at Creative Skillset, said:

‘The new ABC Awards Level 5 Diploma in Bespoke Tailoring qualification is fully endorsed by Creative Skillset. An exemplar approach has been taken in the formalisation of this vocational qualification, written by industry for industry.

“This development will ensure that the specialist Bespoke Tailoring artisan skills required can be accessed either via the Bespoke Tailoring Trailblazer Apprenticeship Standard (as an optional aide) and through mainstream FE/HE delivery, ensuring a national benchmarking of quality attainment of skill for the Bespoke Tailoring industry.”

The new Level 5 qualification is now available for existing and new ABC Awards Centres to provide for learners aged 18 and over. Learners will also need to have the equivalent of Level 3 experience in garment making and cutting skills.

For more information about the new qualification, please click here, or call 0115 854 1620 to find out more about becoming a ABC Awards Recognised Centre for Fashion and Textiles.

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